11 exciting things to do in Riyadh this week: January 9 to 12
What’s on this week…
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best things to do in Riyadh. Whether you’re after a new film, or that perfect croissant or doughnut, or just ways to kickstart your week, we have got you covered. Here are 11 exciting things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday January 9
1. Try a new bakery
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There’s always room for exciting new restaurants in Riyadh, but, more than anything, there’s always room for an exciting new bakery. But you know what’s better? The almond croissant from Easy Bakery. Aside from croissants with different flavours like thyme or chocolate, they also specialise in bread, cakes, and all sorts of pastries.
Easy Bakery, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, AlYasmin, Riyadh 13322, daily 7am to 7pm. Tel: 053 712 8003. @easybakery.sa
2. Catch James McAvoy in his latest film “My Son”
For an intense mystery thriller, “My Son” is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. And James McAvoy is perfect for the story of Edmond Murray, a man who gets the call that would terrify any parent: his son is missing. Not long after being dropped off at camp, his seven-year-old has disappeared without a trace. Soon, it becomes clear that the child has been kidnapped, and the parents give way to despair.
Book your tickets here.
Monday January 10
3. Attend the ‘Ubayyah in Diriyah’ horse festival
An eight-day festival, set against the state-of-the-art International Equestrian Resort backdrop, offers the very best of equestrian skill and family-friendly entertainment. The Saudi Arabian Horse Festival will bring together more than 350 horses to make it the largest international gathering of horses in the region. The festival will include horse riding shows, art competitions, live music, shops and restaurants, and many other events, including the Ubayyah Experience, similar to the dining, wellness and hospitality concept of Sadu Escape in AlUla.
Saudi Arabian Horse Festival, International Equestrian Resort, Wadi Laban Road, Jan 10 to 17, 4pm onwards. For reservations at Ubayyah Festival, download the ‘My Table’ app.
4. Go for a nature night walk in the Diplomatic Quarter
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If starting a new fitness journey is your resolution for the new year, how about joining the ‘Riyadh Women Getting Fit’ community for a walk through the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ)? The good news is that their well-received ‘Monday Night DQ Walks’ are back. The guided walk includes a well-planned route through the lit walking paths and an easy walking distance to suit all fitness levels. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?
Diplomatic Quarter, Meeting point: Oud Square, every Monday 8.15pm to 9.15pm. @riyadh_women_gettingfit
5. Watch the brand-new series “The Green Planet”
Sir David Attenborough’s latest documentary series is coming to the BBC on Jan 10. The brand new five-part landmark series, “The Green Planet”, is about the world from the perspective of plants. Attenborough travels to the US, Costa Rica, Croatia, and northern Europe, exploring terrains including deserts, mountains, rainforests, and the frozen north. See things no eye has ever seen, and discover Earth’s dramatic, beautiful plant life.
The Green Planet (5 x 60) premieres on beIN on Jan 10 at 8pm.
Tuesday January 11
6. Shop at the farmers’ souq and learn new cooking techniques
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Expect a ton of fun events and activities at AlSalam Tree, one of Riyadh Season’s participating zones. One of the highlights is the farmers’ souq, where you can shop for seasonal local ingredients? Need some inspiration for what to do with all your fresh produce? There’s also a live cooking demo at the souq to inspire shoppers to try new ways of preparing and enjoying their meal.
Farmers’ & Live Cooking Souq, Riyadh Season’s AlSalam Tree, Salam Park, Riyadh 12651, 4pm. Sar25 per person. Book your tickets here. @riyadhseason
7. Sing your heart out at Syrup Lounge
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If karaoke is always a favourite plan amongst your friends, then head down to the Syrup Lounge. They’re having a Karaoke Night, so get your vocal cords ready and show them what you got.
Karaoke Night, Syrup Lounge, 9038 Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, An Narjis, Riyadh 13324, 8pm to midnight. Early bird price Sar50 per person, regular price Sar75 per person. Tel: 011 228 8006. @syruplounge
8. Tuck into the finest Italian cuisine
Il Baretto serves the best of Italian cuisine in an upscale environment, one that’s as inviting as it is elegant. When you’re not distracted by the traditional Italian mains (think veal Milanese, whole seabass, and lobster linguine), you can soak up the fantastic atmosphere from the elegant outdoor terrace, watching Riyadh go by.
Il Baretto Riyadh, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13521, King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, daily 12.30pm to 3.30pm & 7pm to 1am. The bar is open all day. Tel: 9200 12508. @ilbarettosa
Wednesday January 12
9. The Spanish Super Cup semi-final
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The Super Cup returns to Saudi Arabia two years after being hosted in Jeddah. This time around, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will meet in the semi-finals, and they will play the Clasico for the first time in front of fans on January 12.
King Fahd Stadium, Jan 12, 10pm. Buy your tickets here.
10. Grab a box of hi. doughnuts new winter flavours
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Known for serving freshly made and delicious doughnuts, hi. rolls out its new winter flavours featuring pumpkin spice, sahlab (sweet milk pudding), and crème Brulee doughnuts. Those with a sweet tooth will undoubtedly enjoy trying hi.’s new seasonal offerings. Just be sure to grab them quick.
hi., Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh 12364, opens 24 hours. Tel: 055 222 7423. @hi.saudi
11. Check out an incredible motor show festival
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Motorsports fans, you still have three more days to check out the Saudi International Festival of Motoring (Autoville), the first and the largest interactive event of its kind in the region. Autoville encapsulates so much more than just the motoring industry – visitors can look forward to a host of lifestyle events and activities suitable for all age groups.
Saudi International Festival of Motoring (Autoville), Dirab Motor Park, Jabal Ajyad Rd, Dahiat Namar, Riyadh, until Jan 14, noon to 10pm. Prices for general entry are Sar100 per person per day or Sar450 per person for a seven-day pass. Buy your tickets here. @autoville_riyadh
Images: Provided / Social